Development and promotion of tourist destinations and products is primarily undertaken by the respective State Government/Union Territory (UT) Administration. The Ministry of Tourism through its central sector scheme of ‘Swadesh Darshan (SD)’ complements the efforts of tourism infrastructure development in the country by extending financial assistance to the State Governments/UT Administrations including the State of Odisha.  The Ministry of Tourism under its Swadesh Darshan Scheme (SD 1.0) has sanctioned a project in the Financial Year 2016-17 ‘Development of Gopalpur, Barkul, Satapada and Tampara’ under Coastal Circuit theme in the State of Odisha. The project has been reported physically complete.

Ministry has revamped Swadesh Darshan Scheme as Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD2.0) with the objective to develop sustainable and responsible tourism destinations following a destination & tourist centric approach.  In consultation with the State Government of Odisha ‘Debrigarh along with the special attraction of ‘Khinda Village’ was identified as destination for development under SD 2.0. for which the DPR has not been received.

Ministry encourages development of tourism infrastructure in a manner that promotes local livelihoods and community participation, including that of tribal communities. The projects sanctioned under the scheme aim to create opportunities for skill development, self-employment, and engagement of local stakeholders.

This information was given by Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

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Sunil Kumar Tiwari

tourism4pib[at]gmail[dot]com

(Release ID: 2146392)